Industry News
In brief: GTG, Life Therapeutics, AusBiotech, CyGenics
Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG; Nasdaq:GENE) has appointed London-based lawyer SJ Berwin to help the company expand its licensing program for its non-coding patents in the UK and in Europe [ + ]
Increased funding for bird flu research
Research projects aiming to prevent, detect or control avian influenza and other respiratory disease outbreaks will receive $6.5 million in urgent research funding from the Commonwealth Government.
[ + ]CSL bird flu vaccine may be granted indemnity
The federal government is considering whether to protect vaccine company CSL (ASX:CSL) against lawsuits by patients who suffer adverse reactions from its bird flu vaccine if production is fast-tracked in the event of pandemic. [ + ]
New Vic grants support bioinformatics projects
Biotechnology, genomics and molecular modelling will be boosted with grants from the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing (VPAC) with AUD$348,000 in funding for its round eight e-Research grants program. [ + ]
Replikun contracts UK company to make GMP cell line
Unlisted immunotherapy company Replikun Biotech has contracted UK-based Cobra Biomanufacturing to build a cell line to manufacture their vaccine and immunotherapy products under GMP conditions. [ + ]
BioProspect touts trial of termite solution
As new Australian restrictions on use of the treated-pine preservative copper-chrome arsenate (CCA) white-ant the profits of New Zealand's arsenic industry, stakeholders in Brisbane biopesticide company BioProspect (ASX:BPO) have cause for optimism. [ + ]
New look for optical microscopy
Physicists in Switzerland and Germany have made a new type of optical microscope that can produce images without capturing light from the sample. The new device relies on measuring changes in the properties of a gold nanoparticle placed next to the sample. The nanoantenna could have application in sensing devices (Phys Rev Lett 95 200801).
[ + ]Progen appoints new CEO
Brisbane cancer drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL) managing director Lewis Lee has resigned, and the company has named his replacement -- one-time Monsanto executive Justus Homburg. [ + ]
$6.5m in grants to bird flu projects
The Commonwealth government has outlined AUD$6.5 million in urgent funding for 33 research projects aiming to prevent, detect or control avian influenza and other respiratory disease outbreaks. [ + ]
Zenyth, MuriGen collaborate on inflammation targets
Zenyth Therapeutics (ASX:ZTL), formerly Amrad, and unlisted Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) spinout MuriGen Therapeutics are to co-develop a new class of drugs that target arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. [ + ]
New $12m centre to spark biomaterial future
A new $12 million electromaterials centre based at the University of Wollongong aims to create the materials needed for the next generation of bionic ears, artificial muscles and nerve repairs. [ + ]
Oncomere discoveries open new avenues in cancer research
The junk DNA revolution has thrown up yet another neologism for cancer geneticists to add to their spellcheckers: 'oncomere'. [ + ]
New report calls for end to GM moratoriums
The non-GM chickens may be coming home to roost for Australian states that have imposed moratoriums on the commercialisation of biotech crops, with a new report commissioned by the federal government warning of the consequences for Australian agriculture if the bans continue. [ + ]
Approach to drug testing could force innocent athletes out
The current approach of the international agency responsible for fighting the use of drugs in sport will drive innocent athletes out of the Olympic Games, according to an article in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching.
[ + ]Bio-Layer CEO steps down
Jason Armstrong has stepped down as CEO of Bio-Layer. [ + ]
